Interview with Aaron Moten…

Aaron Moten taught at TAP Camp for four summers, while he was attending The Juilliard School. He graduated in 2011 and is already performing in a Broadway show. He is in previews for A Streetcar Named Desire and will open in just a few weeks. We asked Aaron a few questions about his education, his career and his experiences. Enjoy…

Q: How has teaching at TAP helped you to become a more rounded artist?
A: Teaching, for me, is allowing every person in the room a voice in the conversation of acting. Together we create new definitions of principles that are constantly evolving, and in response we are becoming decided hybrids of the artistic world we live in.

Q: What was the most important thing you learned in your high school career?
A: The most important thing I learned in high school was how to care for material and myself. How to bring myself to a piece and allow myself and the piece to both speak and exist together.

Q:What was the most important thing you learned during your studies at Juilliard?
A: Ease of work.

Q: Talk a little bit about your first rehearsal for Streetcar. What was the experience like for you?
A: My first rehearsal was crazy. I wanted just blend in and not be noticed beyond any other individual present, however it was birthday–and they knew–and when the cake was brought out with lit candles after our 2 hour press event I stood out. It took us 5 hours from my first call to even open our scripts, and around the table were faces that I felt I had know for years. Celebrities. An altogether whirlwind was my first rehearsal.

Q: What is your favorite TAP memory?
A: My favorite TAP memory would have to be watching the camp final show. Every year there is measurable growth in every student of every discipline. It’s like watching magic.

Q: How does working on Broadway differ from working elsewhere?
A: You can work anywhere–the difference with Broadway is everyone from this industry sees Broadway shows. There’s nothing like doing a Broadway show to remind you how connected you are to the industry of theatre, film, and television.

Q: How do you like living and working in New York City?
A: New York is cold. It certainly isn’t anything like home. I do love the work here though. I’ve always believed that if you want to do something with your life and you want to do it somewhere–go there.

Q: If you could play one role that you haven’t already, who would it be?
A: Easy. James Baldwin.

Q: Who is your favorite character that you have played and why?
A: My favorite role that I’ve ever played hands down was King Henry V. Shakespeare will do nothing but make you better. Shakespeare is only good when you are honest, pure, unguarded. It takes a lot of work; years and years, to be able to command his text, but worth every second.
-Aaron Clifton Moten-